Because it is a very basic rule. We were taught it within our first two practices, which focus on learning rules so you don't screw yourselves in a game. If that was considered a play, I would sure hope the coach would have told him to hit the rim, else that college coach should stop coaching basketball.

That actually bothers me, since in all my years of basketball my coaches focused on rules very heavily, and to never actually be taught a rule that could actually be very important at any given time seems like blatant disregard for needed player knowledge.

im sorry but there is no way that was on purpose. there were 11 minutes left in the game, there would be no reason for him to intentionally miss, and i think a division one basketball player would know that the ball must touch the rim for it to become live